Shivkhori Temple: All About This Mystical & Holy Cave Shrine

Shivkhori Temple is one of the most sacred and mystical cave shrines in the Himalayan valley. It has an intriguing history and breathtaking surroundings. This temple also has an ethereal charm to it and is perfect for visitors seeking adventure and a spiritual experience. This cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is 200 metres long and one metre wide. In some areas, the height of the cave is so low that devotees have to crawl to enter it. It is worth taking this divine trip to the holy cave.

Table of Contents

Location

To reach the Shivkhori temple, you have to trek up to the hillock in Ransoo Village

Photo: Devika Robin Singh / Wikimedia Commons

The Shiv Khori Temple address lies at a distance of 140 km from Jammu, 80 km from Katra, and 120 km from Udhampur. It is in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The address of this temple is a hillock in Ransoo Village, which is also the base camp for trekking up to this shrine.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jammu

How To Reach Shivkhori Temple

An aerial view of the Jammu Tawi Railway Station from where you can visit the holy shrine

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

This holy shrine is well-connected by road from the airport, railway station, and bus station. The nearest airport to this shrine is 115 km away and the railway station is 79 km away. It is very convenient to reach the temple via private cabs or public transport. Also, you can reach the cave by trekking for around 3 km through stunning mountains and greenery.

Places To Visit Near Shivkhori Temple

There are some interesting and divine places to visit near this temple. Devotees can visit these places while planning a trip to Shivkhori temple:

1. Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site with three naturally-formed rocks

Photo: Rishabhvyadav / Wikimedia Commons

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. At this temple, you can worship the Goddess who is believed to be the manifestation of Mata Durga. The cave has three naturally-formed rocks called Pindies, which are manifestations of the three forms of Goddesses – Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. It is believed that during the aarti and puja, goddesses arrive at the holy cave. The 13 km long trek begins at Katra and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

Location: Trikuta Hills, 13 km from Katra base
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Vaishno Devi

2. Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar is a tourist attraction near Shivkhori Temple Jammu due to its huge spring

Photo: Itzseoprasoon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Baba Dhansar is one of the holy places near Katra. It has a Shiva temple and is right by the beautiful Karua Jheel. Here, there is a huge spring that emerges from the rocks and creates several cascading waterfalls that merge with the River Chenab. The natural Shivling here has water droplets falling on it all year round. You can take a trek of 200 m to reach this picturesque temple, right in the lap of nature.

Location: Karua village, 14 km from Katra Railway Station
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

3. Nau Devi Temple

Nau Devi Temple is a shrine in Jammu with idols of the nine incarnations of the goddess

Photo: Pramal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This shrine is dedicated to the nine incarnations of the Goddess Durga. So, when you need to reach this temple that is inside a cave, you need to ascend a flight of stairs. At this shrine, the atmosphere is serene and divine, filled with echoes of hymns and mantras. Also, the idols of the nine goddesses are in the cave and offer a perfect place to worship and seek blessings. People believe the goddesses bless and absolve them of their sins.

Location: Reasi district, near Katra
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples

4. Dera Baba Banda

The entrance of the Dera Baba Banda Gurdwara that lies near the Shivkhori temple

Photo: Naresh Gopal Sharma / Wikimedia Commons

Dera Baba Banda is a 300-year-old gurdwara and a pilgrimage place for the Sikhs. Baba Banda Bahadur was the commanding soldier of Guru Gobind Singh’s army and his ashes are in this gurdwara. Also, it has the historic relics of the saint soldier. And the architecture, layout, and white marble of this place are impressive. Even the interior walls of this gurudwara are beautiful, textured with golden shades. Lastly, the best part about this gurudwara is that it has scenic beauty and historic importance that make it a popular place amongst tourists.

Location: Bhabbar area, Reasi
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM

5. Bhairo Baba Temple

A frontal view of a traditional Hindu temple in Jammu, surrounded by greenery

Photo: Utcursch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nestled conveniently near Shiv Khori Temple in Jammu, Bhairo Baba Temple presents an enthralling addition to your spiritual itinerary. Set amidst the serene environs of Katra, this revered shrine is celebrated for its distinctive architectural beauty and centuries‑old traditions. The temple’s intricate stone carvings and solemn ambience offer visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local devotion and mysticism. As you wander through its sacred precincts, you will be drawn into a world where ancient rituals and profound reverence continue to inspire. A visit to Bhairo Baba Temple is an essential experience for those exploring the spiritual landscape near Shiv Khori Temple in Jammu.

Location: Near Vaishno Devi Bhawan, Katra, Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 24*7

6. Surinsar Lake

A picture of a tranquil lake in Jammu and Kashmir with wooden houses visible on the banks

Photo: Mark Ahsmann / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Situated within easy reach of Shiv Khori Temple, Surinsar Lake captivates with its serene beauty and mythological allure. Enveloped by verdant foothills and dense woodlands, this pristine freshwater lake is steeped in local legend, believed to be intricately linked to tales from ancient epics. Visitors can enjoy quiet walks along its peaceful banks, where the reflective waters mirror the breathtaking landscape and evoke a profound sense of tranquillity. Whether you seek a moment of meditation or simply wish to savour nature’s splendour, Surinsar Lake offers an enchanting complement to your spiritual journey near Shiv Khori Temple, promising an enriching retreat.

Location: Approximately 42 km from Jammu city, near Blahad village, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM

7. Salal Shiv Cave

A picture of the entrance of a majestic cave system in Jammu, surrounded by hills

Photo: Ovaisrasool912 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nestled near the revered Shiv Khori Temple, Salal Shiv Cave offers an enchanting detour for travellers eager to explore the region’s spiritual heritage. Accessible after a two‑hour trek through rugged terrain, this ancient cave houses a naturally formed Shiv Lingam amid stone idols that echo local mythologies. The cave’s atmospheric interior, softly illuminated by ambient light, evokes a sense of tranquillity and mystique, inviting both devotees and adventure seekers to experience its age‑old charm. As a lesser‑known gem in the area, Salal Shiv Cave stands as a compelling testament to the enduring allure of sacred natural retreats.

Location: Thanpal area, Salal, Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: N/A

8. Nau Pindian

Photo: Geetyadav 999 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nau Pindian is a revered pilgrim stop located on the Reasi–Katra road, just 8 kilometres from Katra and 17 kilometres from Reasi, making it an essential addition to your spiritual itinerary near Shiv Khori Temple. This sacred site is distinguished by its naturally formed nine pindies, which symbolise the nine avatars of Maha Shakti, drawing thousands of devotees throughout the year. With its rustic charm and serene ambience, Nau Pindian offers a unique insight into the local religious traditions, providing travellers and pilgrims alike with a tranquil retreat to reflect on their spiritual journey.

Location: Kotli Manotrian, approximately 50 km from Jammu, near Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM

Where To Stay

Stay at the comfortable and budget-friendly hotels near the Shivkhori temple in Jammu

Photo: Vojtech Bruzek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

There are many good hotels and lodging places near this temple. At these hotels, devotees can rest and then trek up to the holy shrine. Here are some of the good hotels to stay near Shivkhori Temple – County Park & Suites Tridev Shiv Khori, SR Hotel & Restaurant 2.0, Hotel Shree Shakti, Hotel Holy Shrine, and more. These offer good hospitality, a comfortable stay, and amenities.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jammu

Where To Eat

Savour delicious Indian cuisine at the restaurants and eateries near the Shivkhori Temple

Photo: Vivek3dartist / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many eating options at the base of Shivkhori Temple like Reasi-Shivay Fast Food Restaurant, Dogra Hut, Rainbow Restaurant, Rajasthani & Gujarat Restaurant, Trikuta View Food Point, and more. Devotees can eat scrumptious meals here before or after taking divine blessings at the holy cave.

Best Time To Visit

Visit the Shivkhori temple during October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant

Photo: Shail112 / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit this temple is from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and the surroundings look surreal due to the low temperature. You can also visit this temple during festivals like Mahashivratri, Diwali, Navratri, and Basant Panchami as these are celebrated with great fervour here.

Shivkhori Temple is in the lap of nature. This is Shiva’s self-manifested 4-feet lingam and holds great importance in the Hindu religion. The cave also consists of naturally formed shapes that look like Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Nandi, Kartikeya, and Sheshnag. Tourists should embark on this spiritual trip and plan a holiday with TripXL to experience its magical vibe.

Cover Photo: Dev Patel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Shivkhori Temple: Seek Solace In The Divine Presence Of This Mystical Shrine

Location

How To Reach Shivkhori Temple